UnBEARable Defense: Bears Trample Titans in 51-20 Week 9 Win
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Chicago Bears defense set the tone early in the game when Titans started with a great clean pass that was completed on the opening drive, and a fumble was forced as a result of a hit by Charles Tillman and the Bears recovered. Chicago didn’t capitalize on the turnover, but a few plays later they stopped Chris Johnson on a run on 3rd and 1, hence forcing a punt by Tennessee. The Bears had trouble converting third downs as they are in the middle of the NFL at number 16 in 3rd down completion.
Sherrick McManis (CHI) blocked a punt with about 6:46 in the first quarter and Corey Wooten returned it for a 5 yard touchdown. Chicago led 7-0, but Tennessee’s first two points of the game came from a safety with Chicago’s illegal use of hands in the end zone with 4:51 in the first.
Devin Hester returned a punt late in the first to Tennessee own 8. Matt Forte followed up with an eight yard touchdown run. Immediately after Forte’s TD, Brian Urlacher intercepted Hasselback and returned it for a touchdown. Bears led 21-2 with 2:53 remaining in first.
Chicago defense smothered and dominated the first quarter. After Urlacher’s INT TD return, Lance Briggs forced a fumble on Chris Johnson, recovered by Bears safety, Chris Conte. Shortly after, Jay Cutler connected with Brandon Marshall for a short touchdown pass in the end zone. Bears were up 28-2 to start the second quarter. They added 3 points to their lead with a field goal by Robbie Gould at 11:24 remaining before halftime.
Mid way through the second, Urlacher forced another fumble on Chris Johnson, giving the Bears possession again. Matt Forte was big in the second quarter gaining yards through the air and on the ground. He averages 103 yards at scrimmage, 2nd most in team history, (Walter Payton-112). Forte also finished the first half with 7 carries 48 yards, 1 reception, 47 yards.
Tennessee recovered a fumble by Jay Cutler late before halftime. They turned it into 3 points with a field goal. Chicago led 31-5 at the half.
After Chicago failed to score in the opening of the second half, Tennessee answered with a 30 yard touchdown pass from Matt Hasselback to Nate Washington, over Bears cornerback, Tim Jennings, who leads the NFL with 6 INT and 14 passes defended. Chicago led 31-12 with 11:25 in the third. Matt Forte came back with a huge run that placed the Bears in the Red Zone, but they failed to connect for a touchdown and settled for 3 points. Chicago made it to the red zone again after a completion to Brandon Marshall, but didn't convert on 3rd and goal. Robbie Gould came in to add another 3 points for the Bears. Their next offensive touchdown didn't come until Cutler found Marshall for a 39 yard pass with 11:21 in the fourth, bringing the Bears to a 44-12 lead.
On the Titans next drive, Charles Tillman stripped Jared Cook in Bears territory and Tim Jennings recovered. Cutler, again found Marshall for a five yard touch down pass. Bears led 51-12 with 10:20 in regulation. The Titans scored a touchdown on the next drive, 1 play for run of 80 yards by Chris Johnson. They converted for two points. Tillman finished with a career high 9 tackles, 4 forced fumbles.
Bears took a commanding 51-20 victory over Tennessee. Chicago advance to 7-1 and will host Houston Texans (7-1) in Chicago for Sunday Night Football on Veterans Day, November 11th.
Nate Gray
@nategrayzone
Facebook: NateGrayZone
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